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What information is required to choose the correct fiber optic patch cable?

Issue: Customers need to know what specifications to give for a fiber optic cable assembly.

Product Line:Cables and Connectivity Solutions, Fiber Optic Cables

Environment:

All versions and serial ranges

Cause: There are many different types of cables for different applications.

Resolution :

APC Cables and Connectivity Products such as Cat 6 patch cables, fiber optic patch cables, USB cables, adapters, converters and other connectivity products are available through resellers and distributors. They can be viewed at www.apccables.com

Q. What information do I need to supply in order to obtain the correct fiber assembly?A. First you need to know where the cable is going to be used. Follow the guidelines listed below:

Indoor Fiber Cable Use:
-If the cables will be used inside a building, connecting between devices in one room, you will need Jumper Cables (patch cables).
-If the cables will be used inside a building, connecting devices that are not in the same room, you will need Distribution Cables.

Outdoor Fiber Cable Use:
There are three outdoor cables styles that vary depending upon usage.
1. Outdoor Aerial, used outdoor above ground.
2. Direct burial, buried directly into the ground.
3. Burial in conduit, run through the ground in a conduit or tunnel.

Q. What information do I need to supply for a Jumper Cable (patch cable)?A. All of the following:
1. Quantity, and Length in meters (1 meter = 3.28 feet).
2. Number of fibers. (Simplex = 1, Duplex = 2)
3. Connector type on both ends, they may not be the same on both ends.
4. Singlemode or Multimode fiber. If Multimode please advise if 62.5/125 or 50/125, or 50/125 laser optimized.
5. PVC OFNR or Plenum OFNP jacket.

Q. What information do I need to supply for a Distribution style fiber cable?A. All of the same information needed for the jumper cables. It is advised to add at least two fibers to the assembly when choosing distribution style fiber assemblies. We attach a pulling eye to these cables so they can be installed properly. Adding two fibers is very inexpensive insurance against damaging one fiber and reordering a whole cable. Distribution style cables can be manufactured in higher fiber counts also.

Q. What information do I need to supply for an outdoor cable?A. All of the following:
1. Choose one: Aerial, Direct Burial, Burial in Conduit.
2. Quantity, and length in meters (1 meter = 3.28 feet).
3. Number of Fibers (it is advisable to add two fibers for expanding or breakage. High fiber counts available).
4. Connector type on both ends (they may not be the same on both ends).
5. Single Mode or Multimode fiber, If Multimode please advise if 62.4/125 or 50/125.

Q. What is Singlemode, Multimode, PVC, Plenum?A. Singlemode and Multimode are very specific light signals that the connecting equipment transmits. If you do not know which you need please consult the owners manual or tech support for the devices you are connecting. Fiber is custom made, and non-cancelable non-returnable. Singlemode and Multimode are NOT interchangeable. PVC and Plenum are jacket types that conform to fire codes. Your local fire codes can help you determine if your particular application requires a plenum rated assembly. Plenum is a compound that does not propagate flame (flame retardant). In EMEA the fire rating also includes specifications to reduce hazardous substances and the flame rated jacketing compound specification is LSZH (low smoke zero halogen).

APC brand fiber optic patch cables along with other cabling and connectivity products are available from resellers and distributors, and are available for viewing at: www.apccables.com